Hadhrat Sohaibs (Radhiyallaho anho) coming into
Islam:
Hadhrat Sohaib and Hadhrat Ammaar (Radhiyallaho anhuma) became
Muslims at the same time. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)
was staying at Arqam's (Radhiyallaho anho) place, when they both
came separately with the same intention of embracing Islam and met
each other at the door of the house. Sohaib (Radhiyallaho anho)
also suffered very much at the hands of his persecutors, like other
poor Muslims of that time. At last he decided to emigrate to Madinah.
The Qureysh would not tolerate this and, soon after his departure,
a party went in pursuit to bring him back to Mecca. As the party
drew near, he shouted to them:
"You know that I am a better archer than all of
you. So long as I have a single arrow left with me, you will not
be able to approach me and, when I finish all my arrows, I shall
fight you with my sword, as long as it is in my hand. If you like
you can get my money which I have left in Mecca and my two women
slaves, in lieu of me."
And they agreed. He told them the whereabouts of his money, and
they allowed him to proceed to Madinah. At this, Allah revealed
the following verse of the Qur'an to the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe
wasallam):
"And of mankind is he who would sell himself, seeking the pleasure
of Allah, and Allah has compassion on His bondsmen."
The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was at that time at Quba.
When he saw Hadhrat Sohaib (Radhiyallaho anho) coming, he remarked:
"A good bargain, Sohaib!"
Sohaib (Radhiyallaho anho) narrates:
"The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was eating
dates at that time. I also joined him in eating. One of my eyes
was sore." He said, "Sohaib! you are taking dates when
your eye is sore." 'But I am taking them by the side of the
other eye, which is not sore, 0, Prophet of Allah,' I replied.
The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was much amused with
my retort."
Hadhrat Sohaib (Radhiyallaho anho) was very generous and he spent
his money on others most lavishly. 'Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) once
told him that he was rather extravagant. He replied:
"But I spend only where it is right."
When Hadhrat 'Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) was about to die, he expressed
the wish that his funeral service be led by Hadhrat Sohaib (Radhiyallaho
anho).
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